Mobile automotive business ideas you can run on the road
52 ideas
These 52 automotive ideas take the work to the customer, so your van or ute is your shopfront. They suit practical people who like variety, are comfortable driving between jobs and don't want to pay for a workshop.
Mobile outboard servicing and parts
Service outboards at boat ramps, marinas and driveways, and sell the parts and small engines owners need.
- A$15k-60k
- Side hustle
- Out and about
Mobile car air con regas and repair
Drive to homes, workplaces and small fleets to regas, leak test and fix car air conditioning.
- A$8k-35k
- Part-time
- Out and about
Mobile car window tinting
Fit tint film to cars at customers' homes or workplaces from a van or ute.
- A$2k-8k
- Side hustle
- Out and about
Car buyer's agent
Find, check and negotiate the right car for busy buyers, for a flat fee or a commission.
- A$500-2.5k
- Side hustle
- Out and about
Mobile exhaust repair van
Drive to homes, worksites and fleets to repair exhaust leaks and replace mufflers without a workshop.
- A$10k-45k
- Part-time
- Out and about
Mobile windscreen chip repair
Fix stone chips and small cracks at people's homes and workplaces before they spread.
- A$1.5k-7k
- Side hustle
- Out and about
Mobile brake repair service
Replace brake pads, rotors and fluid at customers' homes or workplaces from a fitted-out van or ute.
- A$15k-40k
- Part-time
- Out and about
Mobile vehicle wrap installer
Fit vinyl wraps and graphics on vans, utes and cars for sign shops, tradies and car owners.
- A$2k-8k
- Side hustle
- Out and about
Mobile car tune-up and basic servicing
Drive to homes and workplaces to change plugs, filters and fluids so customers skip the garage trip.
- A$8k-30k
- Part-time
- Out and about
Mobile bumper and scratch repair
Fix scuffed bumpers, scratches and small dents at the customer's home or workplace from a van or ute.
- A$8k-30k
- Side hustle
- Out and about
Mobile motorcycle mechanic
Service and repair bikes at riders' homes and workplaces from a ute or van fitted with tools.
- A$5k-25k
- Part-time
- Out and about
Mobile car valeting
Drive to homes and workplaces and give cars a full interior and exterior clean on the spot.
- A$1.5k-7k
- Side hustle
- Out and about
Valeting for dealers and fleets
Prepare cars for car yards, rental firms and company fleets on a regular contract.
- A$3k-12k
- Part-time
- Out and about
Mobile minor body and scratch repair
Fix scuffs, dents and bumper damage at customers' homes and workplaces from a fitted-out van or ute.
- A$8k-30k
- Part-time
- Out and about
Mobile alternator and starter motor supplier
Deliver tested replacement alternators and starters to local garages and mobile mechanics, fast.
- A$3k-15k
- Part-time
- Out and about
Mobile golf buggy servicing and resale
Service and repair buggies at clubs and homes from a van, and resell a few used ones on the side.
- A$8k-35k
- Part-time
- Out and about
Used EV consignment seller
Sell used electric cars for private owners for a fee, without buying the stock yourself.
- A$2k-10k
- Part-time
- Out and about
Mobile truck mechanic
Fix and service trucks at depots, farms and roadsides from a fitted-out ute or van.
- A$25k-80k
- Part-time
- Out and about
Trackside motorsport pop-up shop
Sell consumables, gear and apparel from a van or stall at race meets, track days and car shows.
- A$3k-15k
- Side hustle
- Out and about
Mobile spring and suspension fitter
Drive to farms, worksites and driveways to fit springs on utes, trailers and 4WDs without a workshop lease.
- A$8k-30k
- Part-time
- Out and about
Mobile diesel mechanic
Diagnose and repair diesel engines on farms, worksites and depots from a fully equipped ute or van.
- A$15k-70k
- Full-time
- Out and about
Tune-up parts delivery run for local workshops
Stock a van with common tune-up parts and supply independent mechanics in your area, same day.
- A$12k-50k
- Part-time
- Out and about
Mobile tyre fitting van
Fit and balance tyres at people's homes, workplaces and roadsides from a fitted-out van or ute.
- A$12k-50k
- Part-time
- Out and about
Mobile car audio installer
Fit stereos, speakers and subwoofers at customers' homes or workplaces from a well-kitted van or ute.
- A$4k-15k
- Side hustle
- Out and about
About these ideas
Some, like mobile car valeting or mobile car battery testing and fitting, are straightforward to begin with basic kit. Others, such as mobile auto electrician or mobile car air con regas and repair, rely on trade skills and qualifications. Start by working out which skills you already have, what your vehicle can carry, and how far you're willing to travel. Then check what licences, insurance and handling rules apply to the work you want to do.
More ideas
- Mobile windscreen replacement service
- Car alarm supplier with a delivery round
- Mobile mechanic
- Mobile motorhome and caravan service
- Mobile quad bike mechanic for farms
- Van-based car accessories trade supplier
- Mobile ute canopy and tonneau cover fitter
- Mobile truck parts supplier to workshops
- Mobile tractor and farm machinery repairer
- Mobile used tyre fitter
- Mobile tyre fitting and puncture repair
- Mobile cooling system repair
- Mobile motorhome pre-purchase inspector
- Mobile pre-purchase car inspector
- Mobile car battery testing and fitting
- Owner-operator breakdown and accident tow truck
- Local vehicle transfers for garages and dealers
- Mobile motorhome and RV repairs
- Mobile scooter mechanic
- Mobile motorhome and caravan detailing
- Mobile car alarm and tracker installer
- Mobile paintless dent repair
- Cash for cars and scrap metal pickup
- Mobile auto electrician
- Mobile trailer repair service
- Mobile RV parts and supplies van
- Mobile sunroof repair service
- Mobile oil change service
Questions
Do I need a licence to run a mobile automotive business in Australia?
It depends on the work. Tasks like air con regassing or electrical repairs may need specific licences or trade qualifications, which can vary by state. Check with your state regulator and an insurer before taking paid jobs.
What should I check before fitting out a van or ute for mobile work?
Look at weight limits, secure storage for tools and chemicals, power and water needs, and whether your vehicle registration and insurance cover business use. It's worth checking local rules on waste, such as used oil and old batteries.
How do I find my first customers for a mobile car business?
Start locally with neighbours, community groups, local social media pages and small businesses with vehicles. Dealers, tradies and fleet managers can offer repeat work. Check how you'll handle quotes, payment and any warranty promises before you begin.